Huntington Beach Police Department (HBPD) in California has signed a purchase agreement with MD Helicopters (MDHI) for three law-enforcement-configured MD 530F helicopters. Delivery of the first aircraft is expected to take place in the first quarter of 2022, with the other two due to follow later in the year.
HBPD has been operating MD helicopters for more than 40 years. In addition to the sale of the aircraft, the new agreement covers the provision of spare parts and a training programme tailored to the department’s pilots and technicians.
According to MDHI, the company’s renewed focus on listening to the customer’s needs and strengthening the overall purchasing and owning experience was key to achieving this sale.
Alan Carr, sole director of MDHI’s board of directors, commented: “We owe this renewed relationship to the hard work of our dedicated sales team, particularly Jason Lindauer, our director of commercial and law enforcement sales. Jason worked tirelessly to listen to Huntington Beach’s airborne team and clearly identify what they needed to succeed, including support in selling their current aircraft and spares. He and the team at MD were willing to go the extra mile to deliver not only a winning product, but also winning support throughout the entire process and for many years to come.
“We have no doubt the MD 530F is the best helicopter for the job – powerful, reliable and delivering superior efficiency. Now that incredible law enforcement tool is backed by an uncompromisingly positive customer experience.”
Sgt Jeff Goodspeed, HBPD Air Support Unit supervisor, said: “Since the 1970s, we have trusted MD Helicopters as our platform. Yet, while our mechanics and pilots love our helicopters, we always look for what best fits our mission of patrol, lifeguard deployments, Bambi Bucket operations and other auxiliary duties.
“Over the last two years, we conducted exhaustive research of every possible helicopter that could meet our mission needs. We flew aircraft, contacted other police departments who flew those aircraft and interviewed helicopter manufacturer representatives to ensure we had a comfort level with the aircraft for both our pilots and our mechanics.
“When the City of Huntington Beach sent out an open bid for replacement helicopters, all the helicopter manufacturers we researched put in a bid. In the end, one platform stood out above all the others, the MD 530F.
“Everyone here at the Huntington Beach Police Department is extremely excited to continue our 40-plus year relationship with MD Helicopters. Over the last year, MDHI has done a great job of answering all of our questions and concerns, making sure we have a platform that is ready to meet the needs of our mission for the next 20 years.”
